Why Your Cat Sneezes: Illness Causes

1 Why Your Cat Sneezes: Illness Causes

Possible illness causes of cat sneezing

1. Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR)

FVR is highly contagious; items a cat touched and owners who met a sick cat can spread it. Signs: cough, constant runny nose, with red eyes, fever, more tears and eye discharge; sneezes and saliva can infect. Early eye/nose signs are obvious—watch closely.

2. Feline calicivirus infection (cat flu)

Mainly from contact with sick cats; also highly contagious, and weak kittens catch it easily. The virus breeds in winter. Signs: sneeze, nasal discharge, stomatitis. Severe stomatitis lowers appetite and increases drooling.

3. Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcus usually spreads via pigeon droppings contaminating soil and air; cats and dogs get infected on contact. Signs: thick blood-tinged nasal discharge, movement disorder, retinal/optic-nerve detachment and other eye disease.

4. Feline chlamydia infection

Spreads from sick cats. Main signs: sneeze, nasal discharge, more eye discharge; severe cases become conjunctivitis and airway inflammation. This can be zoonotic—owners beware!

5. Sinusitis

If the sinuses behind the nose inflame: stuffy nose, more discharge, labored breathing—much like human rhinitis, with sneezing, and poor smell from congestion lowering appetite. See a vet early if these appear.

With big day-night temperature swings, mind your and your cat’s health; note any sign, especially after contact with a sick cat—likely viral, needing early treatment. Treat the underlying cause, not ‘a cold’.